Hong Kong has been confirmed as host for Societe Generale’s Rugby World Cup 2019 Fanzone. The Fanzone is set to offer fans a site to soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s largest sporting events as it comes to Asia for the first time.

Located at the iconic Hong Kong’s AIA Vitality Park (Observation Wheel) on the Harbour Front, the Fanzone will be operational for 44 days of the tournament from September 20 until November 2, every day from 11am to 11pm.

Presented by Societe Generale, Worldwide Partner and Official Bank of Rugby World Cup 2019 (RWC 2019) and delivered in partnership with the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU), the Fanzone will be accessible to anyone willing to experience RWC 2019 with all matches broadcast live on a super-sized high-res LED screen. A range of rugby-themed activities, presence of rugby legends, activations and live music will be offered to visitors.

In addition, the Fanzone will welcome kids from local schools and charities for dedicated rugby clinics outside of RWC 2019 live matches. This initiative led by Societe Generale and HKRU Community Foundation embodies the desire of both partners to support rugby as a channel for education and social inclusion.

Hikaru Ogata, Chief Executive Officer for Societe Generale, Asia Pacific, highlights how the RWC 2019 Fanzone embodies Societe Generale’s long-term commitment to the game of rugby: “Societe Generale has been supporting rugby for more than 30 years; today we support teams and tournaments from grassroot to top level, strongly associating our brand with the sport’s values.

We are proud to be associated with Rugby World Cup 2019; Societe Generale’s RWC 2019 Fanzone will contribute to promote the tournament and rugby in Hong Kong, as well as being a fantastic place for all rugby fans to share their passion and emotions this event is able to create.”  

Robbie McRobbie, HKRU Chief Executive Officer, says the site would provide a fantastic place for locals and visitors alike to gather and enjoy the spirit of the tournament.  “We are extremely excited to be partnering with our great friends Societe Generale on Hong Kong’s first ever Rugby World Cup Fanzone,” R.McRobbie said. “This is the first time the tournament has been hosted in Asia, and we expect an unprecedented level of interest. Both the HKRU and Societe Generale have a strong track record of community outreach and engagement, and we’ll be working together to make sure there is plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy throughout the 44 days of the Fanzone. Whatever your favourite team, there’s only one place to go and enjoy all the Rugby World Cup action –Societe Generale’s RWC 2019 Fanzone, see you there!”

Ross Mitchell, General Manager of Asia Rugby echoed these sentiments, expressing his excitement for Hong Kong to play such an important role in Asia’s first ever Rugby World Cup: “The stage is set for the first ever RWC to be held in Asia; and we couldn’t be more excited that Societe Generale, in partnership with the Hong Kong Rugby Union, are staging one of two official RWC FanZones outside of Japan, bringing the buzz of the event to Hong Kong.”

“Rugby fever is spreading through the continent and it only seems natural for Hong Kong, one of our major ‘players’ in the region, to get involved in the action. Thank you to Societe Generale and the HKRU for this great initiative, and I look forward to seeing you all down at the AIA Vitality Park in the next 6 weeks to join the party!” said R.Mitchell.

General Admission will be free and open to the public on a first-come / first-served basis. Entry will work on an RFID wristband system, integrating cashless payments for F&B purchases to ensure a hassle-free Fanzone experience.

RWC 2019 matches are scheduled on 26 of the 44 days of the tournament; outside of matches, a mini rugby pitch in the Fanzone will host rugby clinics with local schools and charities as part of the Hong Kong Rugby Union Community Foundation’s legacy activities. For any interest, full event and contact details will be available on the Fanzone website (www.sgfanzone.hk).